Why indulging in your favourite TV shows could potentially be good for you. Binge watching bliss.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. That moment when you tell yourself “Just one more episode,” and suddenly, the sun is rising…binge-watching bliss!

While some might call it a guilty pleasure, indulging in your favourite TV shows could potentially be a good thing…read on to find out why.

Stress Relief and Escapism

• Life can be stressful. Immersing yourself in a fictional world allows you to escape the pressures of daily life for a short time and unwind.
• A captivating storyline can momentarily take your mind off concerns and provide a much-needed mental break.

Emotional Connection and Catharsis

• We can often form strong emotional connections with characters and storylines.
• Watching characters overcome challenges or experience relatable emotions can sometimes provide a sense of catharsis and validation.
• A good cry during a heartfelt scene or a belly laugh during a comedic moment can be incredibly therapeutic – allow it!

Social Connection and Shared Experiences Should not be Underestimated

• Having fun discussing favourite shows with friends and family can create a sense of social connection.
• Sharing theories and debating plot twists can help create intrigue & thought.
• Think of it as a digital book club!

Cognitive Benefits – truly

• We knew there was science in here somewhere! Following complex storylines and character arcs can stimulate cognitive function.
• Analysing plot twists and predicting outcomes can enhance critical thinking skills.
• Learning about different cultures and historical periods through television can broaden your knowledge
• All very good reasons to rationalise a little bit of TV show binge bliss!

Inspiration and Creativity

• Well-crafted shows can inspire creativity and spark new ideas.
• Watching characters pursue their passions can motivate you to pursue your own…who doesn’t appreciate a little bit of motivation?
• Beautiful cinematography, compelling soundtracks, and thought-provoking dialogue can provide artistic inspiration.

Relaxation and Self-Care

• Sometimes, all you need is a cosy blanket, a warm drink, and a good show to unwind.
• Allowing yourself to relax and enjoy leisure activities is an essential part of self-care.
• It’s okay to prioritise your own enjoyment and take time for yourself whenever you can.

Now for the disclaimer…

• Like anything, moderation is key. We suggest balancing screen time with other activities.
• Always be mindful of how much time you spend watching TV to ensure it doesn’t interfere with achieving other core objectives.

Wrapping up…

So, the next time you feel the urge to binge-watch your favourite show, don’t feel guilty!

Embrace the escapism, enjoy the emotional connection, and reap the cognitive benefits. Just remember to balance it with other aspects of your life.

Enjoy the bliss!

If you can’t remember the last time you changed your pillows or duvet, you’re not alone. So, how often should we change our pillows and duvet?

Many of us hang onto these bedding essentials longer than recommended, which can affect our sleep quality and even, in some instances, our health.

WHY change our pillows and duvets?

It can be a bit gross, and we don’t even realise!

Over time, pillows and duvets collect dust mites, allergens, oils, and dead skin cells. Are you grossed out yet?

Even with regular washing of pillowcases and duvet covers, the inner filling can absorb and retain these particles, making it important to replace them periodically.

No-one wants to sleep with all that and as clean as we may be personally, these particles are a natural part of our existence.  The trick is to try and reduce them and help maintain a clean sleep space.

WHEN should we consider changing our pillows and duvets?

Pillows: in most instances the suggestion is to replace every 1 to 3 years

Now, you may think that’s going to be an expensive exercise, however what you are potentially breathing in while sleeping can certainly affect your health.

Pillows don’t just lose their shape and comfort over time – they also become a breeding ground for dust mites and allergens. Depending on the type and quality of your pillow, replacement timeframes can vary.

• Synthetic pillows – replace every 1-2 years, as they lose support and may accumulate more allergens over time.
• Memory foam pillows – these can last up to 3 years but should still be checked for loss of shape and support.
• Down and feather pillows – these can last up to 5 years with proper care but consider replacing them if they start to clump or flatten

Regularly washing pillows helps prolong their lifespan, but if they become lumpy, stained, or causing neck pain, it’s time to replace them.

Duvets: replace every 5 to 10 years

A duvet or quilt/comforter can have a longer lifespan than pillows, but replacement is still recommended for hygiene and comfort.

• Synthetic duvets – generally last 5-7 years, depending on quality and care. They may flatten over time, losing warmth and comfort.
• Down and feather duvets – with proper maintenance, these can last 10+ years. Be sure to fluff and shake your down duvet regularly to keep it evenly distributed and prevent clumping.

In between replacing your duvet, airing it out regularly (by hanging it outside on a dry day) and washing it as recommended (usually every 6 months) can help keep it fresh, keep the dust mites at bay and prolong its lifespan.

There are some tell-tail signs it’s time for a replacement

Even if you haven’t hit the standard timeframe, look out for these signs that your pillows or duvet may need replacing.

Pillows – if they’re flat, lumpy, stained, or have an odour, these are usually quite obvious signs that they’re due for a replacement.

A good test is folding your pillow in half – if it doesn’t spring back, it’s time to replace it.

Duvets – if it feels flat, uneven, or you find yourself feeling cold at night, it might be time for a new duvet. Also, consider replacing if you notice allergies acting up, as this can be a sign of accumulated dust mites.

You might find some of these maintenance tips helpful to extend the life of your bedding

Use protectors – pillow and duvet protectors can add an extra layer of defence against allergens and spills.

Wash regularly – wash pillows every 3-6 months and duvets twice a year, following specific manufacturer care instructions on the item to prevent damage.

Air them out – regularly airing out pillows and duvets can help keep them fresh and prevent dust buildup.

In summary 

There are some things you can do to help prolong the life of you pillows and duvets, however, be on the lookout for those tell-tail signs that scream…“time to replace”.  If your gut thinks it’s time, it typically will be.

You can keep a track of your bedding’s lifespan by writing the purchase date on the care label. Staying on top of cleaning & replacing these key items will ensure that your sleep space remains cosy, clean, and supportive of your sleep quality.

Sweet dreams!

It’s New Year’s Resolutions Time!

It’s that time of year…again! Making (and breaking) goals with style.

The gyms are packed, the planners are fresh, and everyone is convinced that this is the year they’ll become a whole new person.

But let’s be honest, for most of us, by February, our resolutions have slipped away faster than we can say, “I’ll start on Monday.”

Here’s a fun look at why resolutions are so hard to stick to and why sometimes that’s totally okay.

1. The optimism is real – but so is the reality

At the start of the year, our optimism is unstoppable.

We’re determined to crush every goal from eating only kale to becoming an expert meditator at home or at work. But once the shine of the new year fades, so does our enthusiasm.

Studies show that nearly 80% of people abandon their resolutions by February! So, if you find yourself drifting from your goals, know that you’re in good company.

2. Why “all-or-nothing” doesn’t typically work

We often set super-strict goals for the new year, thinking we’ll magically transform into disciplined, superhuman versions of ourselves.

But the “all-or-nothing” mindset tends to backfire. One skipped workout or cheat meal can make us feel like we’ve failed, leading us to give up entirely.

Instead of committing to perfection, it’s okay to aim for progress and let yourself be human.

3. Life gets in the way, and that’s just fine

Resolutions are often created in an idealised world, where we’re not swamped with work deadlines, family obligations, or unexpected Netflix series that demand binge-watching.

Life will throw curveballs, and those “perfect” routines can be hard to follow. So, if life throws a wrench in your plans, give yourself permission to adjust – flexibility and adaptability is the real secret to long-term change.

4. Most of us love “instant gratification”

Long-term goals are exciting, and it feels great at the time when making them, but they don’t give us the quick dopamine hits we crave.

It’s much easier to enjoy a bowl of ice cream right now than to imagine finally completing that marathon in nine months – phew.

For a lot of us, focusing on small, immediate wins – like watching one less episode on a weeknight – can work better than huge, year-long resolutions.

5. Laugh it off, don’t stress it out!

Breaking resolutions isn’t a tragedy; it’s a classic part of the resolution making tradition!

Instead of feeling guilty or defeated, have a laugh and reflect on the why behind your goal.

Did you really want to hit the gym six days a week, or did it just sound like the “right” thing to do? If a resolution doesn’t bring you joy or feel meaningful, it’s okay to let it go (or turn it into something more manageable).

So that was fun – but here’s the secret: resolutions can be flexible

Here’s a radical idea – your New Year’s resolutions can change and if you allow yourself flexibility/adjustment you might actually achieve some!

Goals evolve, and so do we. If you set an ambitious resolution, feel free to adjust – it is after all, your resolution not anybody else’s.

Don’t want to make any New Year’s resolutions at all? That’s totally valid, too! The new year is just a calendar change, not a deadline. Consider another start date for any new goals.

So, whether you’re an “all-in” kind of person on your resolutions or embracing a “see what happens” approach, make 2025 a year that’s fun, flexible, and forgiving.

Cheers to that!

Are you completely absorbed by or overwhelmed by the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and social media updates? Does your device constantly ping letting you know that something or someone is trying to get your attention?

Have you had family and friends tell you that you’re not present even when in the same room?

If you answered yes to those questions, this article might be for you.

It’s common knowledge that excessive screen time can potentially, negatively impact our ability to communicate with others, our relationships and our mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

A digital detox can be a great way to take a break from technology and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

Before you start perspiring and hyperventilating at the thought, here are some strategies that might help you reduce screen time, improving the quality of your communication with others and improve your mental health.

Try adapting mindfulness when it comes to tech use

Notification control
Turn off unnecessary notifications to minimise distractions.

Do you really need to know at all times about absolutely everything that is coming into your email, messages and social media apps?

Focus Mode

Use your device’s focus mode to block distracting apps and websites.

Who doesn’t love a little retreat?

Make it a digital detox retreat…

Weekend getaways

• Plan a weekend trip to a place with limited or no internet access – scary but you can do!

Tech-free days

• Dedicate specific days while away to unplug completely.

Engage in off-line activities

Simple things can bring a fresh perspective that you may not get with your head bent down looking at a device screen.  Try these and if you find you’re not making the time to do them spontaneously, schedule them into your day/week.

Hobbies
Rediscover old hobbies or pick up new ones.

Socialise

Spend quality time with friends and family – talk or don’t talk but be together without looking down at a device, it’s good for the soul.

Outdoor Activities
Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride.

Read a Book
Immerse yourself in a good book – it’s probably been a while.

Practice Mindfulness
Meditate or practice yoga to reduce stress and improve focus.

Create a calming bedtime routine

Screen-free bedroom (easier said than done!)
Bit tricky when you use your device as your wake-up alarm so, make a commitment to yourself (just as you do to others about deliverables at work or partners/children at home) – minimise electronic devices in the bedroom to an alarm only – try it!

Engage in relaxing activities
Engage in calming activities like reading or taking a warm shower before bed.

Try & set a consistent sleep schedule
Also easier said than done, however, experts do say that a consistent sleep schedule does wonders for physical and mental wellbeing.

Try going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each day.

Being present physically and emotionally is super important for our overall well-being and can be important for those around us as well.

A digital detox is not about completely eliminating technology from your life, it’s about finding a healthy balance and prioritising your mental health and well-being.

You can do it!